Common name:Sandhill Sage, Coast Sagebrush
Botanical name:Artemisia pycnocephala

This shrub will grow anywhere from 1'-3' tall and has small gray leaves accented by yellow flowers that bloom in spring.

Common name:Society Garlic
Botanical name:Tulbaghia violacea

This clumping perennial will grow less than 1' tall and has narrow, blue green leaves. Clusters of lavender flowers bloom in spring and summer. Leaves and flowers have a distinct onion or garlic smell if crushed.

Common name:Creeping Fig
Botanical name:Ficus pumila

This is one of the few plants that can attach itself securely to wood, masonry, or metal. Because there is no limit to its size, it can overcome an entire buliding. It is most often found in colder climates. This vine will not climb on the south or west walls. This plant is fast growing and can be invasive.

Common name:Fox Tail Agave, Velvet Agave
Botanical name:Agave attenuata

This Agave has a dramatic tropical form. Even light frost can damage its succulent leaves. It is great for containers. In the low desert, partial sun will be best. If it becomes top heavy, simply cut and stick in the ground to root. It is not a fast grower and has light green foliage. It will also die after flowering but pups around the mother will survive. Distinctive with its large rosette of leaves perched on a long curving trunk, it is a native from Mexico.

Common name:Copper King Gazania
Botanical name:Gazania 'Copper King'

This perennial ground cover will grow 6"-10" tall and has soft, grayish green foliage with yellow orange flowers that bloom April through September.

Common name:New Zealand Flax, Purple
Botanical name:Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum'

Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum' is an evergreen perennial. Big, dramatic plant composed of many swordlike, stiffly vertical leaves can reach 5' tall. Leaves are purple red. Flowers stems reach high above leaves, bearing clusters of 1"-2" blossoms in dark red.

Dealing With Drought

More than half of the water used at your home is for outside purposes. Studies show that on average, half of the water used outdoors is wasted. The leading cause of waste is incorrectly set and poorly managed irrigation controllers. The second biggest cause of wastage is broken irrigation equipment that goes undetected. There are a few basic things you can do to make a big difference in your water use.

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